Montague Precinct Structure Plan - City of Port Phillip

P r e c i n c t S t r u c t u r e P l a n – C o n s u ltat i o n D r a f t
L I V E – C O N N E C T – W O R K
M e l b o u r n e ’ s n e w e s t i n n e r - c i t y s u b u r b
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 1

Montague
The Structure Plan has been prepared by the City of Port Phillip with
assistance from David Lock Associates and Charter Keck Cramer.
Montague Consultation Draft – June 2012
Note – This Structure Plan is a draft for consultation and will be subject to change.
Image Credits:
Page 77: Miami SoundScape Park, Miami Beach USA (Photo: West 8)
Page 96: Southbank Brisbane (Photo: City of Port Phillip Collection)
Page 87, 116, 122, 130: Illustrations (Geoff Falk, FPPV Architecture)
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Contents
0. Executive Summary 4
1. Introducing Montague 8
2. Vision and Guiding Principles 18
3. Strategic Directions 30
• Land use 31
• Community facilities 45
• Built form 53
• Streets, lanes and open space 71
• Access and movement 89
• Environmentally sustainable development 103
4. Neighbourhoods 114
• City Road Corridor 116
• Southern Neighbourhood 122
• Northern Neighbourhood 130
5. Implementation Framework 138
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 3

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Introducing Montague
Montague is a 50 ha Precinct bound by the West Gate Freeway to the north, City Road to the south,
Boundary Street and Fishermans Bend to the west and the St Kilda Light Rail Line (Route 96) to the east.
Structure Plan has been prepared to provide a planning framework to underpin the urban renewal of the Montague Precinct, strategically located between the CBD
A and the foreshore.
The Plan establishes a vision for the Precinct and its three distinct neighbourhoods. It provides directions for future land use mix, built form, a public open network,
transport and access and community infrastructure. The creation of a highly liveable and sustainable new place is a fundamental direction of the plan.
Montague has a proud and interesting history. In the early 20th Century, it was a heavily populated residential and industrial area. In the 1930’s and 40’s, the slums
were cleared, the residents were relocated and the area transitioned to its current industrial use.
In 2010, Council undertook the Fishermans Bend Planning and Economic Development Strategy which examined the Precinct and its potential. The Strategy determined
that Montague’s industrial future was limited but that its strategic location offered significant potential for change. The preparation of a structure plan to determine
future directions for the renewal of the Precinct was a recommendation of the 2010 Strategy.
The Montague Precinct Structure Plan has been developed through:
research and detailed analysis (such as a survey of land use and business, market analysis, built form review); and
consultation with landowners, businesses and adjoining residents, Government Departments and other key land holders (May 2011).
The Structure Plan provides the framework for reinvigorating Montague as a living and working environment.
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By 2030: Montague will be rejuvenated as a vibrant and sustainable inner city suburb with
a diverse land use mix accommodating up to 25,000 new residents and 14,000 workers.
The Precinct will be distinguished by its high quality living and working environment, supported by a network of green open spaces,
activated streets and accessible community facilities.
Montague will reflect a diverse and unique urban character; blending intensive contemporary development with the Precinct’s
industrial heritage, network of wide streets and intimate lanes, which will be enhanced to create a place for people.
Montague is strategically located between the City and the foreshore. Its connections to South Wharf, Southbank, Docklands,
South Melbourne and Port Melbourne will be enhanced.
Walking and bike riding links will be prioritised, together with enhanced public transport to make Montague easy to
get around and ensure residents and workers can travel sustainably to destinations within the Precinct and beyond.
Montague will become an exemplary environmentally sustainable urban area
through the use of technology, greening and ecological design.
VISION
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 5

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
M o n tag u e ’ s g row t h i n c o n t e x t
Montague is one of a number of inner city areas in Melbourne where substantial urban
renewal is being planned or is underway.
Preliminary development capacity modelling identifies that Montague could
accommodate up to 25,000 residents, 13,000 dwellings and 14,000 workers.
When fully developed Montague could potentially provide a large proportion of the
projected demand for housing in the City of Port Phillip and inner Melbourne.
Population projections in Victoria in Future 2012 estimate that by 2031, Port Phillip’s
population will reach 120,327 – a 21,800 increase on Port Phillip’s estimated resident
population of 98,524.
It also estimates private dwellings will increase from 53,092 in 2011 to 67,478 in 2031
(a 14,386 increase). Montague has the potential to provide a substantial proportion
of this growth.
K e y f e at u r e s o f t h e S t r u c t u r e P l a n
A diverse, inclusive and well serviced community with a strong sense
of local identity:
• Montague will have a strong community heart.
• A new community hub with library, meeting spaces and maternal health and child care,
building on opportunities around the existing Montague School, will be created.
• The Precinct will provide opportunities for a new primary school catering for
up to 500 students.
A high quality, vibrant and diverse mixed-use Precinct:
• The Precinct will be serviced by a compact well-located retail and restaurant cluster
to provide for the needs of residents and workers.
• Montague will combine a mix of well designed housing types, job spaces, shopping, local
gathering places and community facilities, all within a short walk of each other.
• Montague will provide significant new residential development opportunities – housing
up to 25,000 residents in a range of housing types and sizes from townhouses, home
offices and apartments.
• At least 20 per cent of new houses will be ‘affordable’ and Montague will again have a
role in providing well-located social housing.
• Space for up to 14,000 jobs will be provided in the Precinct in the form of offices, home
offices and spaces for creative industries.
An exemplary environmentally sustainable Precinct:
• Montague will showcase green buildings and sustainable infrastructure (such as integrated
water and distributed energy systems).
A highly connected place:
• Montague will capitalise on its strategic location. Its great connections to the CBD, South
Wharf, Southbank, Docklands, South Melbourne, Port Melbourne will be strengthened by:
- Improvements to the light rail stops /routes and bus routes.
- New, integrated bike riding and pedestrian routes.
A place with a well-defined and unique identity:
• Montague will build on its existing and well-defined urban structure – its easy-to-navigate
grid, wide streets, intimate lanes and views of the city skyline.
• Montague’s own ‘High Line Park’ an elevated green corridor, where people can walk, bike
ride or just sit, is planned to run alongside the existing Port Melbourne Light Rail Route.
The new park will link Southbank to the foreshore / Station Pier.
• A series of parks will be centrally located within each neighbourhood.
• Montague’s well designed streets and its gritty lanes will create distinct and inviting spaces
to encourage social interaction and community life.
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Montague’s neighbourhoods
Montague is made up of three distinct neighbourhoods, each with a different built form character and land use mix.
C i t y R o a d C o r r i d o r
• The City Road Corridor (located along City Road) will become the gateway to the renewed Montague Precinct.
• Residential and commercial land uses will address City Road, with the fine grain streetscape and significant heritage buildings maintained.
• The neighbourhood will provide a location for high quality townhouses and apartments (an important market driver).
• The lower scale buildings will provide a sensitive transition to the adjoining residential areas.
S o u t h e r n N e i g h b o u r h o o d
• The Southern Neighbourhood is located south of the Port Melbourne Light Rail Route.
• Development in this neighbourhood will build on the neighbourhood’s wide streets, fine-grained character and network of lanes.
• It will provide opportunities for a vibrant mix of residential and employment uses (including creative industries).
• Business uses at ground level, such as showrooms and restaurants along Montague Street, will contribute to activated ‘people focused’ streets which offer a high level of pedestrian amenity.
• A centrally located community ‘hub’ and local activity centre will be the focus for the new Montague community.
• A moderate development scale of up to eight storeys is envisaged in the Neighbourhood. However buildings will be lower along the Boundary Street interface to respect the existing
character of the street in the adjoining established residential area.
N o r t h e r n N e i g h b o u r h o o d
• The Northern Neighbourhood, located north of the light rail, provides opportunities for a high rise built form that blends with Docklands and Southbank.
• It will feature predominantly residential land use with some commercial (predominantly office) activity encouraged at lower levels with corner cafes.
• New development will be in the form of towers, with podiums that are designed to achieve a human scale and an attractive and active street level experience.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 7

1.0 Introducing
Montague
8 8

In the early 20th Century, the South Melbourne Industrial Precinct,
or ‘Montague’, was a heavily populated residential and industrial area.
In the 1930’s and 40’s, the slums were cleared, the residents were
relocated and the area became a purely industrial precinct.
The area is changing again and the City of Port Phillip is planning
to rejuvenate Montague as a living and working environment.
The Precinct presents a major opportunity for urban renewal
in the City of Port Phillip.
Montague precinct structure plan – – Consultation Draft 9 9

1. Introducing Montague
Why prepare a Structure Plan?
In 2010, Council undertook the Fishermans Bend Planning and Economic
Development Strategy which examined the South Melbourne Industrial Precinct.
T h e S t r at e g y i d e n t i f i e d t h at :
• The Precinct is not considered ‘core industrial land’.
Purpose of the Structure Plan
This Structure Plan provides a vision for the future development of Montague and its new
community. It:
• Provides a framework for land use and built form in the Precinct.
• Establishes principles around community services and facilities, physical infrastructure,
public realm, access and sustainability.
• The current Industrial 1 zoning of the Precinct limits the area’s land use, built form and
economic potential.
• The Precinct is strategically located, with good access to public transport and close
proximity to Melbourne’s CBD.
• The Precinct has a strong urban structure with a well defined network of wide roads that
provide an ideal base for urban renewal.
• The Precinct provides an ideal location for more intensive commercial and residential
activities.
The Strategy recommended the preparation of a structure plan to determine the most
appropriate land use and built form future for the Precinct.
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Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 11

Montague’s great location
Montague occupies a prime strategic location in inner Melbourne and:
• Is within two kilometres of the Melbourne CBD, 500 metres from South Melbourne
Central Activity Centre, 800 metres from Bay Street Activity Centre and adjacent
to South Wharf.
• Is adjacent to the Fishermans Bend Industrial Area – an industrial and employment
area of metropolitan significance.
• Benefits from a high level of public transport accessibility, including Light Rail Tram
Routes 109 and 96 that provide direct access to the Melbourne CBD.
• Is well connected to the metropolitan road network, with direct access to the
West Gate Freeway / M1.
• Is located within the context of higher density residential development, including
Docklands and City Road/Southbank.
Montague’s valued char acteristics
While a major change in land use and built form will occur in Montague, the Precinct has
some strong attributes that will be maintained and enhanced. These include:
• Distinct areas with different characters and potential for change.
• A fine grain pattern of subdivision with lanes and small streets, south of the Light Rail Line.
• Larger landholdings and lot sizes to the north of the Light Rail Corridor.
• A clear road hierarchy of primary and secondary streets.
• City views from many public streets and the Port Melbourne Light Rail Route.
• Established road and light rail connections to adjoining Precincts (including Docklands
and Southbank) and to Melbourne’s CBD.
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City
North
E-Gate
Arden
Macaulay
VICTORIA ST
Docklands
MELBOURNE
CBD
Fishermans
Bend
Montague
Southbank
WEST GATE FREEWAY
PUNT RD
Cremorne
Forest
Hill
CHAPEL ST
Port
Melbourne
S T
QUEENS RD
KIL DA
R D
St Kilda Road
CANTERBURY RD
PORT PHILLIP BAY
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 13

Montague’s growth in context
Montague is one of a number of inner city areas where substantial urban renewal is being
planned or is underway.
These areas include:
• E Gate (on Footscray Road in West Melbourne)
• Arden Macaulay (North Melbourne / Kensington)
• City North (Carlton)
• Southbank
• Docklands.
It is estimated that:
• E Gate (20-25 ha) – will accommodate up to 12,000 residents in 8,500 dwellings.
• Arden Macaulay (147 ha) - 22,500 residents and 20,500 jobs.
• City North (130 ha) - 28,400 residents and 22,000 jobs.
• Southbank (160 ha) - 74,000 residents in 57,000 dwellings and 56,000 workers by 2040.
• Docklands (146 ha) – 17,000 residents in 8,300 dwellings and 40,000 workers by 2020.
Preliminary development capacity modelling identifies that Montague could accommodate
up to 25,000 residents, 13,000 dwellings and 14,000 workers 1 .
Population projections in Victoria in Future 2012 estimate that by 2031 Port Phillip’s
population will reach 120,327 – a 21,800 increase on Port Phillip’s current estimated
resident population of 98,524.
It also estimates private dwellings 2 will increase from 53,092 in 2011 to 67,478 in 2031
(a 14,386 increase).
Montague has the potential to provide a substantial proportion of this growth.
Population, dwellings and jobs in Montague
Numbers
Population densities
Residents 25,482 510/ha
Dwellings 13,412 268/ha
Jobs 14,193 284/ha
Key assumptions:
• All developable sites are developed (i.e. maximum development of the Precinct.)
• A mix of residential and business uses (varies by neighbourhood).
• 1.9 people per dwelling
• Five jobs per 100 square metres of floor space.
When fully developed, Montague could potentially provide a large proportion of the
projected demand for housing in the City of Port Phillip and inner Melbourne.
1 NB - Based on a maximum development of the Precinct. See Montague Capacity Study (2012).
The modelling will be revised once land use and built form parameters are finalised by Council.
2 Structural Private Dwellings (SPD)
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Neighbourhoods
Three neighbourhoods within the Precinct have been determined during
the development of the plan.
The neighbourhoods are differentiated by their:
• physical location (eg position in relation to the Light Rail)
• context (eg adjoining established residential areas or vacant land)
• constraints and opportunities (eg presence of heritage buildings)
• subdivision and property ownership patterns.
C i t y R o a d C o r r i d o r
The City Road Corridor consists of land fronting City Road and a
triangle of land bounded by City Road, York Street and Ferrars Street.
S o u t h e r n N e i g h b o u r h o o d
The Southern Neighbourhood is located north of City Road and south
of the Port Melbourne Light Rail Route. It is bounded by Boundary
Street in the west and the St Kilda Light Rail Route to the east.
WEST GATE FREEWAY
MUNRO STREET
NORMANBY ROAD
BOUNDARY STREET
MONTAGUE STREET
GLADSTONE STREET
BUCKHURST STREET
THISTLETHWAITE STREET
FERRARS STREET
CITY ROAD
FERRARS ST
N o r t h e r n N e i g h b o u r h o o d
The Northern Neighbourhood is a triangular shaped area, located
north of the Port Melbourne Light Rail Route. It is bounded by the Port
Melbourne Light Rail Route, West Gate Freeway / M1 and Governor
Street in the Fishermans Bend (Port Melbourne) Industrial Area.
WEST GATE FREEWAY
WEST GATE FREEWAY
Figure 1 – NEIGHBOURHOODS
Study Area
Freeway
Major Arterial
Light Rail Corridor
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 15
Northern Neighbourhood
NRO STREET
ROAD
FERRAR
Study Area
Freeway
Major Arterial
Light Rail Corridor
Northern Neighbourhood
Southern Neighbourhood
City Road Corridor

Format of the Structure Plan
Figure 2 – Format of the Structure Plan
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1 . I n t r o d u c i n g M o n ta g u e
Introduces the Precinct and explains what is contained in the Structure Plan.
2 . V i s i o n a n d g u i d i n g p r i n c i p l e s
Presents the vision for Montague and identifies five guiding principles for the Precinct.
3 . S t r at e g i c D i r e c t i o n s
Outlines the Structure Plan strategies, initiatives and opportunities based around
six strategic directions:
• Land use
• Community facilities
• Built form
• Streets, lanes and open space
• Access and movement
• Environmentally sustainable development.
4 . N e i g h b o u r h o o d s
Details specific strategies for the three defined neighbourhoods within Montague.
5 . I m p l e m e n tat i o n
Outlines the actions required to realise the Structure Plan on the ground in responsible and
practical ways.
B a c k g r o u n d P a p e r
The Background Paper details the Precinct’s history, the physical and policy context, land use and
employment, urban structure and built form, community infrastructure and open space, access
and movement, and sustainable infrastructure and development.
It outlines the project methodology, the consultation processes used and subsequent findings.
The paper also presents the broad land use and built form options considered by Council, in
consultation with landowners and businesses.
What property owners, businesses
and the community told us
Property owners and businesses have been keenly involved in the development
of the Structure Plan.
Landowners and residents in the residential and industrial areas surrounding
Montague were also asked for their views.
Details of the consultation are outlined in the Background Paper.
Features of the consultation demonstrated:
• There was strong stakeholder support for major change in the Precinct.
• There was a shared vision from property owners/businesses, south of the light rail,
including:
- The opportunity for inner urban vibrant mixed-use and diverse
neighbourhood with businesses, residential development and cafes and
restaurants.
- A strong view that Southbank style of development is undesirable.
• There was less clarity from stakeholders in terms of land north of the light rail
line. A range of candidate land uses were discussed including residential, office,
warehouse and retail.
• A key challenge is how to retain business (such as creative industries) given rising
land values and limitations of planning tools.
• There was strong support for investment in a well-planned ‘new place’
(i.e. more than just a rezoning) incorporating:
- Infrastructure improvements (such as public realm works) to occur
alongside changes to land use and built form.
- A community ‘hub’ i.e. some shops, community facilities and shared
open space.
- Innovative sustainability initiatives / enhancement of walking, bike riding
and public transport.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 17

2.0 VISION & GUIDING
PR INCIPLES
18

VISION
By 2030: Montague will be rejuvenated as a vibrant and
sustainable inner city suburb with a diverse land use mix
accommodating up to 25,000 new residents and 14,000 workers.
The Precinct will be distinguished by its high quality living and working environment, supported by a network
of green open spaces, activated streets and accessible community facilities.
Montague will reflect a diverse and unique urban character; blending intensive contemporary development
with the Precinct’s industrial heritage, network of wide streets and intimate lanes, which will be enhanced to
create a place for people.
Montague is strategically located between the City and the foreshore. Its connections to South Wharf,
Southbank, Docklands, South Melbourne and Port Melbourne will be enhanced.
Walking and bike riding links will be prioritised, together with enhanced public transport to make Montague
easy to get around and ensure residents and workers can travel sustainably to destinations within the
Precinct and beyond.
Montague will become an exemplary environmentally sustainable urban area through the use of
technology, greening and ecological design.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 19

Guiding Pr inciples:
The Structure Plan is underpinned by five guiding principles.
Collectively, they provide the key ingredients of a highly liveable,
environmentally sustainable and socially diverse inner urban area.
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Guiding Principle 1:
A diverse, inclusive and well
serviced community with a strong sense
of local identity
Montague will become a highly liveable and identifiable local neighbourhood.
The Precinct will be welcoming for people of all ages and backgrounds as a place
to live, work and visit, both day and night.
Montague will differ from other high density places. Residents, workers and visitors
will have great access to a range of community facilities and goods and services in
Montague and in nearby areas.
A new local activity centre, complete with shops, cafes, a community centre and health
services will be the heart and soul of Montague. Other services such as schools and
childcare centres will also be available.
The Precinct’s well designed mix of housing will accommodate a diverse community
and offer choice for a range of household types, including families and older persons.
A high proportion of affordable housing will be available.
D e s i r e d o u t c o m e s
• A lively, inclusive and diverse new community is created, providing amenity and
social benefits for both residents and workers.
• A thriving community heart and community hub is established that provides a place
to meet, socialise, work and study.
• Community infrastructure, facilities and services required by the new community
are planned for and provided early in the development of the Precinct.
• Opportunities for social interaction and community building are enhanced through
the design of streets, public spaces, housing and a vibrant community hub and local
activity centre.
• Affordable housing is available/accessible to rent or buy, suitable for the needs of all
people at various stages of their lives.
Employment generating uses will be encouraged, as well as cultural and recreational
activities that create opportunities for social interaction and participation in
community life.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 21

diver se
22

Guiding Principle 2:
A high quality, vibrant and diverse
mixed-use Precinct
Montague will combine a strategic mix of well designed housing types, job spaces, shopping,
local gathering places and community facilities, all within a short walk of each other.
Specialist shopping and entertainment in Docklands, South Wharf, Southbank, the Bay
Street and South Melbourne shopping strips are also within walking distance. The CBD
and the foreshore are easily accessed by tram or bike.
Buildings in the Precinct will combine different uses. A wide choice of housing from
townhouses to high-rise apartments will be available – either above shops and offices,
or in stand-alone buildings.
The mix of uses also means that many residents will work in Montague, either from their
home or in one of the many businesses located in the area.
Creative industries such as architects’ offices, film production companies, advertising firms
and other small offices will be located in the many boutique office spaces in the lanes,
heritage buildings and in architecturally designed new buildings. Affordable and flexible
office spaces will be available for start-up businesses.
Local residents, businesses and visitors will have access to a variety of dining, shopping
and recreational options.
Buildings will be well designed to minimise the impacts of noise and odours between uses.
D e s i r e d o u t c o m e s
• The Precinct is transformed into an exciting and thriving new place to live and work,
capitalising on its excellent location and easy access by walking, bike riding and
public transport.
• Montague provides both significant residential and business / employment
opportunities.
• A cluster of ‘creative’ industries thrives in the Precinct, benefiting from proximity to
related businesses and the accessibility and lifestyle offered by the Precinct.
• The internal amenity of new development is of a high standard.
The mix of uses and proximity to services and community facilities and jobs means that
many residents and workers may not need to own a car.
Montague’s blend of uses will create interesting and vibrant streets. The Precinct will feel
safe because there is activity day and night.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 23

Guiding Principle 3:
An exemplary environmentally
sustainable Precinct
Montague will be water, waste and energy efficient. New/upgraded and efficient
energy, water and waste systems will be integrated into the Precinct. New buildings will
be designed to be energy, water and waste efficient, adapted to climate change, less
resource intensive and healthier for their occupants.
In the long term, power will be generated by distributed energy systems. Waste
heat from the process will be used to provide heating and cooling for buildings in the
Precinct. Small scale renewable energy sources (such as solar panels and micro wind
turbines) will also provide power.
Stormwater, rainwater and waste water will be captured and used in buildings
to flush toilets and to water public and private green spaces, reducing the use
of drinking water.
Rain gardens, vertical green walls and other water sensitive urban design will be
integrated into all buildings, streets and parks, improving the quality of water going into
the Yarra River and Bay, and helping to reduce local flooding.
D e s i r e d o u t c o m e s
• The Montague community is well positioned to respond to the challenges of climate
change and peak oil.
• Energy and water services are constructed and supplied sustainably.
• High levels of energy, water and waste efficiency are delivered through new
buildings.
• Water is managed efficiently to minimise the use of potable (drinking) water, mitigate
against climate change, manage local flooding and improve water quality entering the
Bay.
• The Precinct’s streets, parks and roofs are greened, mitigating the effects of the
urban heat island and softening the built environment.
Trees will be planted throughout the Precinct. Bitumen will be removed
and green corridors and parks will be created.
Montague will also be designed to encourage residents and visitors to leave
their cars at home. Public transport will be convenient and easy to use. It
will also be easy to walk and bike ride.
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sustainable
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 25

connected
26

Guiding Principle 4:
A highly connected place
Montague will develop as a unique and vibrant part of Melbourne’s inner suburbs. It
will be distinct but connected to Docklands, the CBD, South Wharf, Southbank, South
Melbourne and Port Melbourne.
From Montague, it will be easy to get to the CBD, Yarra River, Bay Street, Clarendon
Street and the beach.
Montague will be easily accessed by walking, bike riding, public transport or car.
The Precinct will be permeable and comfortable to get around. People, rather than
cars, will be given priority on most streets.
The streets will be busy and interesting. The network of laneways that crisscross the
Precinct will provide interesting and direct routes for pedestrians and bike riders.
Streets will be fronted by lively cafes and businesses. New lanes will provide shortcuts
through large blocks.
Safe and attractive off-road and on-road bike routes and improved footpaths and
pedestrian crossings will ensure it is easy to get to the Precinct and through it, and will
encourage more people to leave their car at home.
D e s i r e d o u t c o m e s
• The Precinct has a high degree of connectivity for pedestrians and bike riders both
within the Precinct, and to public transport and surrounding attractions and services
including:
- South Melbourne Major Activity Centre
- Bay Street Major Activity Centre
- Docklands, South Wharf and the Convention Centre
- The Foreshore via the light rail route.
• Transport services, facilities and activities are highly integrated and the majority of
trips in and around Montague are undertaken by walking, bike riding and public
transport.
• Reliance on the car, car ownership and the amount of space devoted to the car is
lower than other inner suburbs.
• Traffic impacts are minimised on surrounding residential areas.
A new tram route though the Precinct will be developed, connecting to the CBD and
Docklands. Existing light rail and bus routes and facilities will be improved.
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 27

Guiding Principle 5:
A place with a well-defined
and unique identity
Montague will build on its great bones – it features an easy-to-navigate grid, wide streets,
intimate lanes and views of the city skyline.
The Precinct will be known for its interesting, pedestrian friendly and tree - lined streets,
lanes and public spaces.
High quality, accessible public spaces will provide significant recreational opportunities
for the Montague community to interact, be active or simply relax.
A series of parks will be centrally located within each neighbourhood, providing
recreational opportunities for residents and workers, and allowing space for greening
with trees and plants.
Well designed public open spaces are essential to the liveability of dense urban
environments and to attract a diversity of household types, including families.
The Port Melbourne Light Rail Route will become the Precinct’s own High Line Park,
providing an elevated green corridor alongside the existing light rail where people
can walk, bike ride or just sit and enjoy the view.
The Precinct will be a safe and attractive place to be. At street level, buildings present
a human scale. Streets will be vibrant and lively with activities spilling out onto
footpaths and upper floors that overlook the street. Cafes, restaurants and other
businesses will be open at night to enliven the area.
Footpaths will be wide and shady with lighting and places to sit. Some streets will
become green corridors and will be used for walking, bike riding and landscaping.
Different building styles with contemporary and creative architecture will reflect the
context and character of the three different neighbourhoods within the Precinct.
Mid-rise building forms will be emphasised for much of the Precinct, with taller towers
to the north of the light rail route. Care will be taken to ensure that buildings sensitively
transition into surrounding residential neighbourhoods.
D e s i r e d o u t c o m e s
• A high quality, highly urban built environment with a unique identity is created.
• Streets and lanes in the Precinct are recognised as high quality people spaces.
• Montague is high density Precinct that is leafy and green.
• A diverse range of public parks and urban spaces are well located, easily accessible,
meet the needs of residents and workers, and foster social connections.
• The valued elements of Montague’s urban fabric, such as its heritage buildings and
lanes, are reused and celebrated.
• New development contributes to a high quality public realm – maximising solar
access and natural surveillance of public areas to enhance their safety.
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UNIQUE identit y
Montague precinct structure plan – Consultation Draft 29